Ephesians 6:5

Ephesians 6:5

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh” addresses social relationships within the Roman world, where slavery and servitude were common. Paul reframes obedience not as endorsement of slavery but as a Christian obligation that honors God wherever one is placed. The phrase “according to the flesh” distinguishes earthly masters from Christ’s lordship. The call to obedience “with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ” elevates daily labor to worship, presenting faithful work as service to Christ. The directive also envisions a shift in motive—work becomes not only to please human authority but to reflect loyalty to God. The equality of the “heart” condition is emphasized: sincere, wholehearted devotion.

Theologically, this passage anchors work life within the Christian worldview: vocation is a field of spiritual formation. Serving masters as unto Christ reframes power dynamics, challenging both slaves and masters toward righteousness, fairness, and mercy. It foreshadows the dignity of work in creation and redemption, where all labor can be offered to God as worship when done with integrity and love.

In today’s context, the term “servants” translates to employees, workers, or anyone under authority. The principle remains: work with integrity, discipline, and faithfulness—viewing tasks as offerings to God. For employers, it calls for just leadership that respects workers as fellow image-bearers. A practical example: a team member who consistently goes above and beyond, performing with humility and excellence, even when management is imperfect. In church and family life, translate this into service with a good attitude, reliability, and fairness in duties, modeling a Christian approach to authority and service.

Cross-References: Colossians 3:22-24; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-20